We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Four Quartets Allusions & Cultural References

When poets refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Literary and Philosophical References:

  • Heraclitus (Ancient "Pre-Socratic" Greek Philosopher). Fragments. Trans. Hermann Diels and John Burnett. (epigraph) 
  • Hardy, Thomas. "The Darkling Thrush." (24)
  • Keats, John. "Ode on a Grecian Urn." (29) 
  • Merton, Thomas. The Way of Chuang Tzu. (64)
  • Donne, John. "For Whom the Bell Tolls." (130)
  • Bible. Matthew 4:1-11. (158)
  • St. John of the Cross. The Dark Night of the Soul. (163)
  • Bible. Genesis 3:8-10. (175)
  • Bible. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. (187-189)
  • Dante. Inferno. (212).
  • Gray, Thomas. "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard." (204-205).
  • Bhagavad Gita (Hindu Spiritual Text). (524-574)
  • Dante. Paradisio. (583).
  • St. Julian of Norwich. Revelations of Divine Love. (810, 840)